Kimono Art Quilts & Giving Back
This summer, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i is honored to partner with Honolulu textile artist and retired attorney Ellen Godbey Carson to present a special fundraising initiative featuring a limited collection of handcrafted kimono art quilts.
Created from vintage Japanese kimono fabrics, each quilt is a one-of-a-kind work of art representing restoration, renewal, and hope — values that reflect the heart of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s mission.
Through this initiative, donors who make new or increased gifts to Catholic Charities Hawai‘i may receive a quilt as a special expression of appreciation for their leadership philanthropy.
Each quilt tells a story, transforming historic fabrics into beautiful new creations while helping restore dignity and stability in the lives of those we serve across Hawai‘i.
Giving Opportunities
From June 1 through July 31, 2026, donors may receive a quilt when they:
- Make a first-time gift of $1,000 or more
- Increase their annual support by $1,000 or more
- Join the Ulu Circle ($2,500+ annually)
A limited number of quilts are available, with a variety of colors and sizes offered. Preference will be given in the order donations are received. When submitting your donation online, please include your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd quilt choices in the comments section by listing the corresponding page numbers from the quilt catalog. Upon receipt of your donation, donors will be contacted to coordinate quilt selection and pickup.
Please note: Tax-deductible donations are reduced by the fair market value of the quilt received. Shipping is available for an additional cost.
An Evening of Art, Generosity & Community
Mahalo to everyone who joined us at Laulima House for a special evening celebrating art, culture, and compassion.
Guests had the opportunity to meet artist Ellen Godbey Carson, view her extraordinary kimono art quilts, and hear the inspiring story of how vintage Japanese kimono are transformed into one-of-a-kind works of art. Throughout the evening, Ellen shared how themes of restoration, renewal, and honoring tradition connect beautifully with the mission of Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi.
If you were unable to attend, we invite you to watch Ellen’s presentation below and learn more about this unique partnership to support our community.
Watch Ellen's Story
Event Highlights
“These quilts represent transformation and renewal. I’m honored that they can help support the life-changing work of Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi.”
– Ellen Godbey Carson, textile artist and community advocate
We are honored to partner with Ellen in this unique opportunity to strengthen the fabric of our island communities. Just as these treasured fabrics are given new life, your gift supports Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi programs that provide housing assistance, support for kūpuna, counseling services, youth programs, and help for individuals and families facing hardship throughout our islands.
The Art with Heart initiative continues through July 31, 2026 with a limited collection of Ellen’s handcrafted kimono quilts, available as a special expression of gratitude for qualifying donations.
For more information, please contact Marla at development@catholiccharitieshawaii.org or (808) 527-4820.
